Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland, Oregon
Tel:
(503) 222-1741
The Oregon Historical Society is hands down the best museum on the history of Oregon. 85,000 artifacts including objects from the earliest settlements are proudly on display. You'll see how business and industry has grown, how artwork and crafts have developed, and learn about Oregon's rich maritime history.
The "Oregon My Oregon" exhibit includes two theaters, interactive displays and environments including a re-creation of the Hudson's Bay Company ship hull. Visitors will find a 19th century explorer's tent and a store stocked with 1940s merchandise from the Hood River Yasui Brothers Mercantile. There are over 50 separate displays including artifacts, artwork, photographs, documents, audio/visual presentations, and hands-on displays. All of Oregon's history comes to life as you explore geography, native language, the Oregon Trail and more.
You won't want to miss Battleship Oregon: Bulldog of the Navy, as you explore Oregon and its role in the American wars. The Oregon Historical Society also displays temporary exhibits such as The GI Dream: Family, Home, Peace & Prosperity, A House Divided: Lincoln in His Own Words, and My Hunt for Quonsets.
The museum store is filled with books and other rich Oregon goodies to take home.
Coming from the north, exit the 405 at SW Broadway and head north onto SW 6th Ave. Make a left onto SW Madison and you'll hit SW Park Ave. From the south, exit the 405 at SW 12th Ave. Head right onto SW Columbia St. and make a left onto SW Park Ave. for two blocks.
Oregon's magical history will entertain and educate you for hours!
From Oregon Historical Society - Portland:
Shortly after its formation, the Society opened its first office and museum in Portland City Hall and began the development of a regional research library and a collection of historical artifacts. In 1917 the Society moved into Portland's Public Auditorium (now Keller Auditorium), and in 1966 moved to its current location at the corner of SW Jefferson and Park in downtown Portland.